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Canada’s hidden deficit: the social cost of low literacy skills

On 12 March 2009, the Canadian Language and Literacy Research Network (CLLRNet) published a report (Canada’s hidden deficit: the social cost of low literacy skills) which contends that low literacy is Canada’s ‘hidden deficit’ and an impediment to full participation in society for about 9 million people.

The report argues that, more than ever, living and working demand ever higher levels of literacy and self-reliance. It describes three types of social cost stemming from low literacy:

• Opportunity costs – the economic, social and cultural benefits necessary to cope with everyday challenges. Low literacy amongst a population lowers economic growth as people are less likely to vote and volunteer, and fewer people participate in ongoing learning and skill development.
• Remedial costs – the costs paid by government and communities to mitigate the damage of low literacy;
• Intergenerational costs – a child’s capacity to learn basic literacy skills is strongly influenced by the mother’s education and the home environment. These costs show how literacy gaps in one generation can be passed on to the next.

The report concludes that to avoid these costs, Canada needs a national literacy strategy. Accordingly, it provides insights into the key issues which need to be addressed and sets out a framework for action.

Canada’s hidden deficit: the social cost of low literacy skills